The Problem of Retirement

[Our recent correspondence on retirement problems has brought this reply from a respected doctor. The author has served this cause in various capacities, including a staff appointment at the College of Medical Evangelists. At an age when men might normally plan_ on retirement, Dr. Short undertook a term of service in Korea. This was eminently successful to the mission board and gave satisfac­tion to the good doctor. We publish this short article as another contribution to the discussion of retirement prob­lems.—Eds.]

I WONDER whether suffi­cient thought and study have been given to the re­tired ministers and other denominational workers who because of age or some physical infirmities have been re tired from active duty. From observation and from conversations with a number of such former workers it seems to me that our denomination is suffering a great loss by failing to utilize the experi­ence and energies still remaining in a very dedicated group.

The attitudes of many, I believe, can best be expressed by three ministers—two retired and one about to be—who have car­ried heavy responsibilities in denomina­tional service. They came to my home to dis­cuss a certain publishing project.

"We have health, energy, and experi­ence," said they, "and we have a retirement income. Whatever contribution we can make to the cause would cost the denomina­tion virtually nothing. We want to con­tinue to work as long as the Lord gives us strength." To me they seemed a bit forlorn. Another case is that of a man, fit and vigorous, who has spent forty-five years in foreign mission service. He is now facing retirement and trying to plan his future. He told of his last furlough, a part of which was spent at one of our major colleges. There he was given a Sabbath school class to teach and was the envy of many retired ministers who attended the same church, because he had been assigned this relatively minor responsibility! He hopes to go to some virgin territory when he retires from denominational service and raise up a church.

These few cases point up the question I wish to emphasize. Is sufficient considera­tion being given to this group of retired persons either as individuals or as a reser­voir of power in denominational service? If not, are not they and the cause both losers? These men have been accustomed to long hours and strenuous programs. They do not wish a complete cessation of activity but merely a change of pace. They are not ready to spend all their time read­ing or puttering about the house and gar­den. Many have active minds and good voices, a few have facile pens and can do original writing or editorial work, some have the gift of raising money for churches or other projects, and all have something only a busy life in service can give—expe­rience. Why can't they be utilized? They need the work, but what is more important, the work needs them. With several churches often being shepherded by one minister—usually a young man in his form­ative years—are we seeing a great waste of resources by failing to use this older re­tired group?

I realize that what I am suggesting is be­ing done to a degree. Some ministers well up in years but in good health are acting as substitute pastors for those on leave of absence for study or vacation. Others do a little preaching here and there as occasion permits. But is it a well-organized, planned program?

Why not keep a perpetual inventory or roster of these men and women, a sort of "reserve corps" of workers, properly card-indexed, with location, annual-fitness re­ports, records of abilities and preferences— a placement agency? If a need arises, the right man for the place might easily be found available. I believe the response of the retired group would be enthusiastic.

Besides, in addition to the relatively few who are or have been in denominational service, there are scores of physicians in private work who are reaching retirement age, whatever that may be. Their children are grown and educated, they have made provision for old age, and they have a mis­sionary zeal. Cannot such be organized into a medical reserve corps for periods of duty in various parts of the world? If Seventh-day Adventist physicians were canvassed, I believe many would respond to such a de­nominational program. Some have ren­dered acceptable service after reaching re­tirement or nearing retirement age.

Cannot a plan be devised whereby many others may have a similar experience?